Celestron Telescope Astrograph S 203/400 RASA 800 AVX GoTo (62954)

The Celestron RASA 800 (Rowe-Ackermann-Schmidt Astrograph) is a high-performance astrograph designed for wide-angle astrophotography. Featuring a 203 mm aperture and ultra-fast f/2 optics, it delivers exceptional image quality while significantly reducing exposure times. The advanced four-lens corrector system, made with rare earth glass, minimizes chromatic aberrations, coma, and field curvature, ensuring sharp stars across the entire image field. This makes the RASA 800 ideal for capturing stunning wide-field images of nebulae and galaxies. With low vignetting and excellent light transmission thanks to StarBright XLT coatings, the RASA 800 is a top choice for advanced astrophotographers.

Optimized for modern mirrorless cameras and small CCD/CMOS astronomical cameras, the RASA 800 is not compatible with standard DSLR cameras due to its short back focus. Its innovative design includes a quiet 12V MagLev fan for rapid cooling and dust prevention, as well as a precise FeatherTouch micro-focuser for accurate focusing. With a 400 mm focal length, the RASA 800 excels at wide-field imaging while maintaining excellent optical performance.

The Advanced VX mount complements the RASA 800 by providing a stable and portable platform for astrophotography. It supports telescopes weighing up to 14 kg and features periodic error correction (PEC) for precise tracking during long exposures. The mount’s high-torque servomotors ensure smooth operation, even with minor imbalances, while its wide base enhances stability under heavy loads. Whether you are an experienced astrophotographer or looking to advance your skills, the Advanced VX mount provides excellent functionality and portability.

Key Features of the RASA 800:

• Super-fast f/2 optics: Captures images twenty times faster than f/10 systems, eliminating the need for tracking during short exposures.

• Wide field of view: A 400 mm focal length makes wide-angle shots of nebulae and galaxies effortless.

• Advanced optical design: Four-lens corrector suppresses chromatic aberrations, coma, and field curvature for sharp stars across the entire image field.

• Innovative cooling system: MagLev fan ensures rapid cooling while keeping dust out of the optical tube assembly (OTA).

• Precision focusing: FeatherTouch micro-focuser allows highly accurate adjustments for sharp imaging.

Specifications

Optics

• Type: Reflector

• Type of build: Astrograph (RASA)

• Aperture (mm): 203

• Focal length (mm): 400

• Aperture ratio (f/): 2

• Resolving capacity (arcseconds): 0.68

• Limit magnitude: 13.3

• Light gathering capacity: 843x compared to the human eye

• Coating: StarBright XLT

• Tube material: Aluminum

• Tube diameter (mm): 235

• Tube length (mm): 628

• Tube weight (kg): 7.9

Reflector Details

• Secondary mirror obstruction (%): 46%

• Ventilation for central mirror: Yes

Focuser

• Type of build: Linear Crayford

• Backfocus (mm): 29 & 25

Mount Specifications

• Mounting type: Equatorial (Advanced VX)

• GoTo control: Yes

• Motors: Servomotors with encoders

• Load capacity (kg): 14 kg

GoTo Control Features

• Database entries: 40,000 objects

• Alignment methods: Quick Align, Solar System Align, 2-Star Align, etc.

Tracking Features and Interfaces:

• PEC correction: Yes

• Tracking speeds: Sidereal, solar, lunar modes available

Tripod Specifications:

• Material: Steel tripod legs with a diameter of 51 mm

• Height range (cm): 112 - 163 cm

Included Accessories:

• Finder scope (9x50)

• Eyepiece (16 mm, 2")

• Star diagonal (2", 90°)

• Counterweight (1 x 5 kg)

General Information:

• Total weight of the system (kg): 21 kg

• Suitable for astrophotography (very good), Moon & planets, nebulae & galaxies

• Not recommended for solar observation without an appropriate solar filter

• Recommended for advanced users only